The National History Museum in Dublin is set to close its doors once again to allow for comprehensive refurbishment of the building.

It comes just months after the so-called ‘Dead Zoo’ reopened last summer after two years of closure.

The museum was closed for two years for major renovations – and nearly 200,000 people have visited since it reopened last August.

Part of the museum’s collection is expected to be moved to a temporary exhibit at Collin’s Barracks while the next phase of renovations is carried out; however, much of it will be moved back to storage.

While no date has been set for the closure, the works are expected to begin later this year.

File photo of Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin at the Natural History Museum in Dublin, 28-04-2010. Image: Lucas Vallecillos / Alamy

The Journal reports that customers have been told the closure could last as long as five years.

The main aim of the refurbishment is to fix the 166-year-old building’s roof, which is currently protected by scaffolding.

The museum’s iconic whale skeletons were recently removed from the roof to facilitate the works.

The “comprehensive refurbishment” also aims to address accessibility issues at the building, create new education, exhibition and multi-functional spaces and ensure the historic building complies with modern fire, health and safety regulations.

Natural History Museum

The works will also improve collections care and ensure the building meets best practice in terms of sustainability and environmental controls.

The refurbishment is being delivered through a partnership between the National Museum of Ireland and the Office of Public Works (OPW).

The project is currently at the planning and detailed design phase.